Jungle Trip

Have you ever been in a situation where at the time it doesn't seem too strange or unusual but once you remove yourself from the situation you think, what did I just do?  That happened to me this past weekend. I had the opportunity to go to the jungle with friends of mine who are considering adopting their godson who is 9 years old. This part of the jungle is about a 7 hour bus ride to Quito. At one point the bus turns off onto a dirt road, drives through a river, and after passing some huts and soccer fields, we arrived to the town of Santana. If you wanted to go any further you'd have to cross the Pastaza River on a pulley car that brings you to the other side.

The shaman led us into the town where we were welcomed by many kids and our hosts for the weekend. We all slept in the same hut under mosquito nets with the "bathroom" out back. Throughout the weekend we were invited to dance with village leaders, drink chicha (this is a traditional drink that is yucca chewed up by people in the village, spit out, then left to ferment), swim in the river, catch and cook toads, and catch various insects. Shortly after arriving, a village boy led us up a REALLY tall water tower. It was an amazing view from the top, but not sure how structurally sound the tower was...

We walked about 45 minutes to get to the hut where the family who is taking care of this little boy lives. Picture this - we are all inside this hut, sucking on sugar cane, a man who looked to be about 90 is laying in a hammock, and their pet coati - similar to a raccoon type creature- is tied up on the floor. We had a great conversation with the family and my friends are praying about what lies ahead. It was a great weekend and a wonderful reminder of how many Ecuadorians live. 

Climbing the Water Tower

My friends with their godson

On the pulley car to cross the river

A new pet tarantula

View looking down from top of water tower. If you squint you see our friends down below.

It was the boys birthday so we got a cake before getting into the jungle. This is how it arrived. Our cake was served on banana leaves. 

Drinking some chicha

The Pastaza River

Beautiful view at sunset

The pet coati

Preparing the toads we caught for dinner

Dinner!

I really enjoy being involved when an international adoption happens. I like spending time with the family and showing them around Quito and around the orphanage. This month one of our toddler boys was adopted by an Italian family. The family had been waiting four years to adopt. I am constantly amazed at how quickly the child adapts to his/her new family. Within days the child is attached to his mom and dad and soaks in all the attention he/she receives. I love seeing how God places each child in the exact family he is meant to be in. It is an amazing experience to be part of and I don't think it will ever get old.

Some Lovely English Singing

http://youtu.be/RSZBfSCtABs

These girls have got quite the singing repertoire. Each week they are learning new songs in English class. Such sweet girls!